Sinking feeling from lap leg

Walter Seaman · Post by **Walter Seaman** » 14 Feb 2011 12:03 pm

Hi everyone,
I have a 1959 Supro 6-string lap steel which I like a lot. The problem is in one of the three legs. When I pull out the extender part for one of the legs and then tighten it, it's ok for a while but then sometimes within a few minutes the leg starts slipping down. This gives me a 'sinking feeling'! Sometimes this has happened at a live gig!

Does anyone have a suggestion for fixing this type of problem? There are plenty of ideas but I'd like to see if there is any consensus.
Thanks!

p.s.: what's you're favorite 8-string lap, which comes with attachable legs (that don't sink after being tightened!) in the < $1000 range?!?!?)

Twayn Williams · Post by **Twayn Williams** » 14 Feb 2011 1:02 pm

You might be able to repair it with the clutch system from a mic stand.

Billy Tonnesen · Post by **Billy Tonnesen** » 14 Feb 2011 1:27 pm

Until you find a permanent solution, wrap it real good with Duct Tape to stop the telescoping !

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 14 Feb 2011 3:12 pm

Don Burrows makes and sells the internal parts of the clutch. I've fixed half a dozen legs with his parts.
Contact him here:
sales@bsgsteelguitars.com

G Strout · Post by **G Strout** » 14 Feb 2011 3:17 pm

Until you find some parts..... Make a mark on the extended leg where you need it to stay and use an appropriate size automotive type hose clamp around the smaller leg. I have used this method as a temporary fix on the road and it worked well for me.
Gary

Walter Seaman · Post by **Walter Seaman** » 15 Feb 2011 6:19 am

Thanks everyone, these are great ideas!
WS

Charlie Vegas · Post by **Charlie Vegas** » 15 Feb 2011 12:20 pm

If we're talking about the legs for a Supro Airline, they don't have a clutch, they have a thumb screw.

Walter Seaman · Post by **Walter Seaman** » 16 Feb 2011 10:14 pm

Yes that's right it's a thumb screw. I was thinking the type of rubber pipe tightener suggested might work. If there are other ideas please let me know. I'd rather not have to 'glue' the leg into extended position but if that's the only fix I can do it. Maybe someone sells used ones?!?!?!
Thanks
WS

Charlie Vegas · Post by **Charlie Vegas** » 17 Feb 2011 6:24 am

The legs on all (three) of mine work fine. Have you tried to find a suitable replacement thumbscrew?

Tony Glassman · Post by **Tony Glassman** » 17 Feb 2011 8:48 am

I don't know the diameters of your leg, but a good fix is to cut a length of wooden dowel that is of sufficient diameter to fit in the interior dimension of the larger part, (but not the interior dimension of the small part) of the telescoping leg. Cut the dowel length to yield your preferred height.

Walter Seaman · Post by **Walter Seaman** » 23 Feb 2011 12:23 pm

I'll try looking for a replacement screw. Maybe that will do the trick but I think it might be the hole where the screw is screwed in that's culprit (with some stripping of the threads).

Also: Does anyone know if there is a good source where you can find for sale 6 or 8 string double neck laps (with legs)?

Charlie Vegas · Post by **Charlie Vegas** » 23 Feb 2011 1:05 pm

Swap the thumb screw from another leg and you'll know whether its the threaded hole or the screw.

Walter Seaman · Post by **Walter Seaman** » 24 Feb 2011 6:02 am

Good idea thanks Charlie!